SEPARATION Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

separation

noun

ˌse-pə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of separation

as in dissolution

the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces the separation of Norway and Sweden into two independent nations in 1905

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in distinction

the state of being kept distinct the separation of church and state is an important concept in the United States

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in divergence

a movement in different directions away from a common point a sudden separation of the herd of deer when they were startled

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gap

an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) the narrow separation between posts in the fence

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as in departure

the act or process of two or more persons going off in different directions friends who dreaded the inevitable separation after graduation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in divider

something that divides, separates, or marks off a filing cabinet with lots of adjustable separations

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of separation The separation between Texas’ great squads and championship level programs can be daunting. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026 Mendoza approached his starting debut with a nod to how he would be viewed but made an effort at creating separation from his brother — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Despite their separation and one year before their divorce was made official, both of William’s parents — the future King Charles and Princess Diana — accompanied their son for the big day. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 The statement did not specify the reasons for the separation. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for separation

Noun

In particular, the absence of the UAE and the dissolution of the STC have alienated an important southern constituency in the anti-Houthi coalition and deprived the coalition of a militarily capable external backer.

— April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026
With the dissolution of the regional FanDuel sports networks, many teams have had to move local broadcasts to either local over-the-air affiliates or streaming services.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of dissolution

Noun

Benton holds a unique distinction in baseball history as the only pitcher to face both Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.

— Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The distinction matters because older Claude models showed limited ability to support sophisticated biological research.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

The commencement of large payments before the works are completed has created the timing gap referred to above, squeezing liquidity in the immediate term.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
African banks are constrained by government borrowing and shallow domestic savings, while the continent faces an infrastructure financing gap estimated at up to $100 billion a year.

— Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of gap

Noun

The program is called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, allowing non-passengers to be at airport gates for arrivals and departures.

— Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Domenach said one of the most significant departures from the graphic novel was shifting the center of gravity toward the female characters.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of departure

Noun

The built-ins are quite useful and serve as a visual divider of sorts between the kitchen-dining nook and the living room.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 7 Sep. 2026
This is your big opportunity to pay tribute, to be a uniter, not a divider, on the day recalling the horrific events of a quarter century ago.

— Ken Frydman, New York Daily News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of divider

Noun

Teams rotate priority between drivers across a season to try and ensure a fair split.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Recent polling handed Sand a slight edge over Lahn, with Emerson College Polling showing a 49%-46% split in the Democrat’s favor.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of split

Noun

Nearly a century later, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, seeking to end the persistent discrimination and racial violence against Black Americans.

— Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The state of New Jersey previously sued Amazon in October 2025, alleging widespread discrimination against pregnant workers and employees with disabilities.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026